Chafee Opposes Closing of Youth Shelters

Chafee Opposes Closing of Youth Shelters

Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee issued a statement today opposing the recommendation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to close three youth shelters providing short-term care for hundreds of infants and young children throughout the year.

"My transition team has been examining the recommendation," said Chafee. "In this difficult economic climate, Rhode Island must examine all of our state systems and services to seek out financial savings and greater efficiency, but this must be done in a careful, considerate manner. I commit, as one of my first acts as Governor, to eliminate the January 15th deadline for closing the shelters. I will, instead, slow down the process and make careful, thoughtful, considered decisions that endure the best care, treatment, and security of the young people who depend upon these shelters."

Chafee also commended Rhode Island foster parents for their hard work and encouraged others to become "a resource for children who experience abuse and neglect."

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"Looking forward, an important element of my human service agenda will be working to make families stronger and to ensure effective and preventative community systems of care," he concluded.